TUC: “Toxic combination” of insecure work and rising living costs is locking households in poverty

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2026) UK Poverty 2026, published today (Tuesday), shows the scale of in-work poverty up and down the country. 

In particular, the research finds that:  

Around two-thirds of working-age adults in poverty, 5.4 million people, live in households where someone is in work.  

Responding to these figures, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  

“Scrapping the two-child limit was vital and will make a real difference for many families. 

“But a toxic combination of insecure work and rising living costs is locking too many households into poverty, even when people are doing everything right. 

“That’s why the government must deliver its Make Work Pay agenda in full - strengthening rights at work, boosting secure employment and making sure wages keep up with the cost of living. 

“Tackling poverty doesn’t just mean fixing the safety net. It’s building an economy where decent, secure jobs once again provide a genuine route out of hardship.”